How will be a Hindu marriage ceremony?
The Hindu marriage ceremony is one of the oldest in the world, well established by 3000 BC. It consists of several rituals, each with a distinct meaning and purpose. It is performed under the guidance of a pundit, or priest, who recites mantras (verses) written in Sanskrit. A formal engagement precedes the wedding ceremony. Engagement is symbolized by the bride’s parents giving a coconut, considered sacred fruit, to the groom. The groom’s parents present a sari to the bride and sweets are distributed among the families. The wedding day is chosen by consulting astrological charts to select an auspicious day. A day before the wedding, designs in Henna are applied to the bride’s body. A deeply colored design is considered a good sign for the couple. It is a common belief among Hindu women that the darker the imprint on the bride’s palms the more her mother-in-law will love her. Hindu weddings take place under a canopy called a Mandap, outside if possible.
